I’m a senior marketing and transformation leader with 15+ years’ experience building brands, fixing growth problems, and scaling purpose-driven organisations across Australia and Europe. Former CMO and board-level advisor, I specialise in the intersection of strategy, digital, and sustainability. I help founders and leadership teams turn complex challenges into clear direction, strong positioning, and practical execution. My background spans healthcare, technology, finance, and impact-led businesses. I’m known for cutting through noise, aligning stakeholders, and delivering work that actually moves commercial outcomes, not just pretty decks. If you need senior thinking without the full-time hire, I’m your person.

Sonja Ceric

I’m a senior marketing and transformation leader with 15+ years’ experience building brands, fixing growth problems, and scaling purpose-driven organisations across Australia and Europe. Former CMO and board-level advisor, I specialise in the intersection of strategy, digital, and sustainability. I help founders and leadership teams turn complex challenges into clear direction, strong positioning, and practical execution. My background spans healthcare, technology, finance, and impact-led businesses. I’m known for cutting through noise, aligning stakeholders, and delivering work that actually moves commercial outcomes, not just pretty decks. If you need senior thinking without the full-time hire, I’m your person.

Available to hire

I’m a senior marketing and transformation leader with 15+ years’ experience building brands, fixing growth problems, and scaling purpose-driven organisations across Australia and Europe.

Former CMO and board-level advisor, I specialise in the intersection of strategy, digital, and sustainability. I help founders and leadership teams turn complex challenges into clear direction, strong positioning, and practical execution.

My background spans healthcare, technology, finance, and impact-led businesses. I’m known for cutting through noise, aligning stakeholders, and delivering work that actually moves commercial outcomes, not just pretty decks.

If you need senior thinking without the full-time hire, I’m your person.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Beginner
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Language

English
Fluent
German
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Chief Marketing Officer at Animal Emergency Australia
August 1, 2023 - Present
Led the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to Co-CEOs and Board, and defined national marketing and customer experience (CX) strategy, driving revenue growth and brand alignment. Oversaw marketing, customer experience, sustainability, recruitment marketing, and technology adoption, enabling culture transformation. Collaborated with CFO and COO on operational efficiency, performance dashboards, and ROI reporting to enhance decision-making processes.
Marketing Director at Animal Emergency Australia
January 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Enhanced brand visibility across the veterinary industry, driving new client acquisition and retention through strategic marketing initiatives. Developed integrated marketing plans aligned with company values and goals, increasing market penetration. Introduced innovative digital tactics, positioning Animal Emergency Australia as Australia’s trusted emergency care provider. Improved client loyalty and engagement through targeted campaigns and strengthened customer relationships.
Founder & Director at Four Drunk Parrots
January 1, 2018 - July 1, 2023
Founded and scaled a purpose-driven BCorp agency supporting SMEs, NGOs, and regional enterprises, achieving 5x revenue growth through digital transformation and integrated marketing strategies. Advised boards on sustainability, branding, and innovation, contributing to ethical marketing and social impact. Mentored emerging leaders and built high-performing teams, driving culture and performance.
Fractional Chief Marketing Officer at Various Clients
December 1, 2015 - December 1, 2022
Advised executive teams on growth strategy, brand expansion, and marketing automation for clients including KnowledgeOwl (US SaaS) and NDN Brands (US consumer goods). Developed full brand repositioning for a US-based SaaS provider, tripling inbound lead generation and strengthening enterprise client retention. Built a multi-brand marketing framework for a US consumer goods group, driving year-on-year revenue growth. Introduced marketing automation and CRM systems, improving customer lifecycle management and campaign efficiency.
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Media Junkies
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Co-founded and scaled a full-service digital marketing and web development agency, building a national client portfolio across health care, education, and lifestyle sectors. Led agency growth through service diversification, data-driven performance marketing, and early adoption of automation and analytics tools. Secured partnerships with leading Australian brands while mentoring a new generation of digital marketers. Exited the business in 2018 through acquisition, achieving strong commercial outcomes.
Group Marketing Manager / Festival Director / Head of Marketing at Various Companies
January 1, 2009 - July 1, 2013
Held roles including Group Marketing Manager, Festival Director, and Head of Marketing across Australia and Europe. Led go-to-market strategy, creative direction, and international project management.
Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Media Junkies Australia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Co-founded and scaled a full-service digital marketing agency; built a national client portfolio across health care, education, and lifestyle; led agency growth with data-driven performance marketing and early automation/analytics adoption.
Fractional CMO / Marketing Leadership at Various US SaaS Clients (KnowledgeOwl, NDA Brands)
December 1, 2015 - December 1, 2022
Advised executive teams on growth strategy, brand expansion, and marketing automation; developed multi-brand marketing frameworks and improved client ROI.
Community Engagement Advocate at Northern Rivers
September 1, 2019 - September 1, 2024
Advocated for ESG, sustainability, and social enterprise growth; supported community engagement initiatives and stakeholder collaboration.
Board Member at Byron Shire Respite Service Inc / Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital
October 1, 2022 - June 1, 2024
Provided governance oversight and strategic guidance; supported governance, fundraising and community impact initiatives.
Founder & Director at Media Junkies Australia
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Co-founded and led a full-service digital marketing agency; built a national client portfolio; steered service diversification and client growth.

Education

Master of Science in Economic Geography at RWTH Aachen University
January 1, 2003 - December 1, 2010
Master of Science in Economic Geography at RWTH Aachen University
January 1, 2003 - December 1, 2010

Qualifications

GAICD - Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors
July 1, 2023 - January 15, 2026
Diploma of Governance
September 1, 2023 - January 15, 2026
Cultural Orientation Training
February 1, 2023 - January 15, 2026
edX Verified Certificate for Cyber Security Basics
September 1, 2021 - January 15, 2026
BCorp Certification
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Becoming a Charity Board Member
February 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Certifications in Digital Marketing, Automation, and Web Technologies
January 11, 2030 - January 15, 2026
Diploma of Governance
September 1, 2023 - January 20, 2026
GAICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors)
September 1, 2023 - January 20, 2026
edX Verified Certificate for Cyber Security Basics
February 1, 2023 - January 20, 2026
Cultural Orientation Training
February 1, 2023 - January 20, 2026
Becoming a Charity Board Member (ACNC)
January 1, 2025 - January 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Software & Internet